General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO meningitis information and does not diagnose an individual child.

What is meningitis?

WHO describes meningitis as inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can have infectious or non-infectious causes.

Do the main causes vary by age?

Yes. WHO notes that the pathogens associated with meningitis vary with age, immune status and exposure. Newborns are especially at risk from Group B streptococcus, while meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae are important causes among children and adolescents.

How can common bacterial causes spread?

WHO states that several common bacterial causes are carried in the nose and throat and can spread through respiratory droplets or throat secretions.

Can meningitis have long-term effects?

WHO reports that survivors of bacterial meningitis can experience long-term effects including hearing loss, seizures and difficulties involving vision, speech, language, memory or communication.

Symptoms are not specific to one cause. This page cannot determine whether an individual child has meningitis or another condition.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Meningitis, 1 April 2025.